Five Hidden Facts You Won’t Find on Processed Foods Packaging

Processed foods can be targeted easily and can be portrayed as the devil of all foods. It is true that there are certain foods which are best enjoyed sometimes rather than as a daily part of your diet such as ultra-processed foods like chips and cookies. Processed foods should not be blacklisted though, there are many benefits to including processed foods in your diet.

Here are five hidden facts you won’t find on processed food packaging.

Food Safety

Processed foods use processing methods like high pressure processing, pasteurisation, sterilisation, irradiation and use of preservatives like vitamin C. These methods help to remove any harmful microorganisms that can cause food spoilage and lead to food poisoning. These processing methods not only make processed foods safe to consume but also extend the life of the food. Ultimately helping to reduce food waste and as a result saves you money.

Convenience

Processed foods save you both time and effort in preparing the food. Processed foods can help you make a home cooked meal over a likely less healthy takeaway and more costly option. For example, tinned lentils do not need to be soaked for hours and simply opened, drained and enjoyed! Other healthy processed foods can be microwaveable brown rice, frozen vegetables and fruit, or canned soups.

Wallet Friendly

The cost of living is affecting many people, processed foods can be an economical way to be able to meet all your food group needs for health without breaking the budget. While eating organic can be seen as superior it is often not withing the budget for many people. Foods like long life milk, bread, cereals like oats, Corn Thins slices, dried and canned vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables can be a savvy way to keep your body healthy for life.

Accessibility

Not everyone is close to a regional farmers market or stores which can supply fresh produce each week. Long life products allow food groups to be met when access is limited.

Flavour

Adding sauces can make food groups which may be hard to swallow enjoyable. For example, a teaspoon of mayonnaise, soy sauce, relish, or pesto can make meeting your daily vegetable needs enjoyable and sustainable in your diet.

Take home message: Processed foods should not be blacklisted and can support an overall healthy and balanced diet.